New Jersey continues to make waves in the business world, with headlines ranging from legal battles at the state’s largest mall to fresh investments in manufacturing, education, and life sciences. As summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, here’s a comprehensive look at the most important business developments shaping the Garden State this week.
American Dream Mall Faces Lawsuit Over Bergen County “Blue Laws”
The American Dream mega-mall in East Rutherford is back in the spotlight—this time for legal trouble. A lawsuit has been filed alleging that the mall and some of its tenants violated Bergen County’s strict “blue laws,” which prohibit the sale of clothing and certain retail items on Sundays.
The legal challenge highlights the ongoing clash between traditional county rules and the modern retail economy. American Dream, one of the nation’s most ambitious retail and entertainment destinations, has long sought to operate as a seven-day-a-week attraction. Opponents argue that Sunday shopping restrictions are part of Bergen County’s identity and quality of life. The outcome of this case could set a precedent not only for American Dream, but also for other large retail centers in New Jersey.
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Unemployment Claims Decline in New Jersey
In more positive news, New Jersey saw a decline in unemployment claims last week. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, initial filings dropped to 8,934 for the week ending August 23, a meaningful decrease compared to the prior week.
Economists suggest that the decline may reflect the state’s resilience in sectors like health care, logistics, and life sciences, even as national job markets remain uneven. While the state has faced criticism for its business climate, steady job growth points to underlying strengths in New Jersey’s economy.
New $500 Million Manufacturing Tax Credit Program
Governor Phil Murphy has signed a major bipartisan initiative: the Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program, a $500 million tax credit package designed to boost the state’s manufacturing base.
The program will target critical industries, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and green energy. By providing incentives for companies to expand operations in New Jersey, the state aims to both create new jobs and strengthen its supply chain resilience.
This move is especially timely as many U.S. companies look to bring manufacturing closer to home. Business leaders say the program could position New Jersey as a national hub for innovation and production.
Statewide Business Updates
NJ Chamber of Commerce Criticizes State Budget
Despite the new manufacturing program, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce expressed disappointment with the state’s 2025 budget. In a recent statement, the chamber noted that New Jersey fell to #30 on CNBC’s “Top States for Business” rankings, a significant drop from #19 in 2023.
High operating costs, taxes, and regulatory burdens remain key concerns for employers. Business advocates are calling for broader reforms to make New Jersey more competitive against neighboring states like Pennsylvania and New York.
130 NJ Companies Make the Inc. 5000 List
On a more celebratory note, 130 New Jersey-based companies earned spots on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the fastest-growing private businesses in the U.S. The list is based on revenue growth from 2021 to 2024, showcasing the state’s entrepreneurial energy across sectors like technology, e-commerce, health care, and logistics.
Kean University Expands AI Programs
Education and innovation are also in focus this month. Kean University has announced new academic offerings in artificial intelligence, including the state’s first-ever bachelor’s degree in AI. In addition, the university is launching a new research hub dedicated to emerging technologies.
This expansion is expected to attract students from across the region and bolster New Jersey’s growing tech ecosystem.
Rowan University Opens Veterinary School
Rowan University continues its upward trajectory with the launch of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, which welcomed its inaugural class of 75 students in August. Backed by a $30 million private donation and $75 million in state funding, the school fills a crucial gap in veterinary education for the region.
Labor Day & Retail News
Holiday Travel and Gas Prices
With Labor Day weekend upon us, New Jersey’s highways, airports, and train stations are preparing for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The good news for drivers: gas prices in New Jersey are at a five-year low, giving travelers a little extra cushion in their wallets.
Retail Closures and Openings
On the retail front, the changing landscape continues. Claire’s and Icing, popular accessory retailers, are closing seven New Jersey stores as part of broader bankruptcy proceedings.
Meanwhile, malls are adapting with fresh offerings. Freehold Raceway Mall is welcoming new tenants, including Warby Parker, Kura Sushi, and the much-anticipated Dick’s House of Sport, which combines traditional retail with immersive sports experiences.
Innovation Spotlight: New Jersey Tech Startups
Two technology-driven companies also made headlines this week:
- SafetyCamAI launched a reverse image mugshot lookup tool aimed at helping HR teams verify identities and improve workplace safety.
- AppWork introduced Weather Intelligence for Work Orders, an innovative platform that integrates real-time weather data to reduce risks and improve asset maintenance.
These developments highlight New Jersey’s growing role in the national tech and startup scene.
The Bottom Line
From legal battles over Bergen County’s blue laws to historic investments in manufacturing and education, New Jersey’s business climate is as dynamic as ever. While challenges remain—particularly around the state’s overall competitiveness—there’s no denying the momentum in innovation, higher education, and private-sector growth.
As Labor Day weekend kicks off, New Jersey businesses are balancing tradition and transformation, making the Garden State a key player in the nation’s economic conversation.
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